Tag Archives: Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority

Flood outlook: Rising temps and rainfall increase risks

Mississippi River Flood
Matt Ilott of Beckwith Township is among many Mississippi River residents affected by the 2019 flood. His one-year-old home, built on higher ground with a raised septic tank, was spared due to current building standards. Ilott and nearby communities have learned from that experience. Photo Submitted.

MVCA Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook – March 18, 2025

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From the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority

A Flood Outlook Statement is to provide early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.

Weather forecast: Warmer temperatures and rainfall are expected over the next couple of days.  Temperatures are expected to start rising today and last until Thursday, March 20, with daily highs reaching 15 – 17°C. Precipitation is also expected on Thursday, with forecasts estimating 10 – 15 mm of rainfall.

Watershed conditions: Snowmelt is expected to continue due to warmer temperatures, combined with anticipated rainfall. This will increase levels and flows in water bodies throughout the watershed. The degree of increase will depend on actual precipitation and temperatures. Unstable ice conditions may also be present, which can lead to ice jams.

Risks: Larger rivers such as the Clyde, Fall and Mississippi Rivers will see a significant increase in flows and water levels as snowmelt continues to occur. Levels are expected to increase to springtime elevations on both Dalhousie and Mississippi Lakes. Additionally, these conditions elevate the risk for ice buildup.

Flows along the Carp and Indian Rivers and smaller watercourses have peaked from the snowmelt and rainfall over the weekend. Forecasted rainfall and any remnants of snowpack could cause a secondary peak.

Actions: Residents are reminded to exercise extreme caution near all water bodies due to high flows and slippery conditions. Parents are encouraged to remind children about these dangers and provide appropriate supervision.

Residents in flood prone areas are advised to maintain close watch on water levels and flows and take the necessary precautions to protect their property by:

  • Ensuring sump pumps are clear, in good working condition and have a backwater valve.
  • Having a portable generator and backup pump available.
  • Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from any structure.
  • Removing or securing items that might float away if flows increase.
  • Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding.
  • Keeping emergency phone numbers handy.
  • Familiarizing yourself with your municipality’s emergency preparedness plan.

Duration: This message is in effect until 12 pm March 24, 2025 or until an update has been issued.

For more information: Daily water levels and flows are available on the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority website at www.mvc.on.ca/water-levels.

MVCA Watershed Plan nearing completion

Mississippi River Watershed
Photo credit: Mississippi River Watershed Plan

Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) is one step closer to finalizing the Mississippi River Watershed Plan, which is now available online. Two public information sessions are planned for June:

The Plan is the culmination of a two-year effort that included documenting the characteristics and current conditions of the Mississippi River Watershed, identification and examination of key issues, and development of 33 actions to address those issues.

Members of the Public Advisory Committee (PAC), comprised of representatives from across the watershed, played a critical role in helping MVCA to identify and explore issues such as climate change, urban growth, aging or inadequate infrastructure, and to formulate the 33  recommended actions.

“Maintaining and enhancing the watershed’s natural resources is critical to ensuring resiliency to climate change and the impacts of urban growth,” said PAC member Doreen Donald. “This requires an integrated approach that brings together stakeholders as well as rights holders from across the watershed to develop and implement strategies that are aimed at achieving a sustainable and resilient system.”

Proposed actions are presented under eight broad themes: Integration & Collaboration, Climate Change, Growth & Development, Water Management, Natural Hazards, Water Quality, Natural Systems, and Education & Outreach.  The plan also identifies the agencies and stakeholders that will need to work collaboratively to implement the recommended actions.  The draft plan, Backgrounders, Discussion Papers and more information can be found on the MVCA website at https://mvc.on.ca/watershedplan/. Comments will be received until June 25, 2021.

MVCA was established in 1968 by area municipalities to protect and manage shared watershed resources for mutual benefit.  Today, MVCA is governed by a Board consisting of 17 members appointed by area municipalities, and delivers services in accordance with the Conservation Authorities Act. For more information, visit www.mvc.on.ca and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Pressure grows to remove Schedule 6 from Provincial Budget Bill 229

Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
Photo credit: mvc.on.ca

Municipalities and county councils have joined the call to have proposed changes to conservation authorities removed from the provincial budget bill – and now we need members of the public like you to add your voice to the growing list of groups and organizations speaking up.

More than just a budget, Bill 229 proposes legislative changes that will undermine the collaborative nature of conservation authorities and weaken their ability to protect people, property and the environment.

Such changes do not belong in a budget bill, which is exempt from consultation on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. That’s why municipalities such as the County of Lanark and City of Ottawa are calling for Schedule 6 to be withdrawn from the budget bill and for the province to engage in meaningful consultation on the proposed changes.

“Several of the changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and the Planning Act are entirely new and will add red tape and unintended consequences that are contrary to what we are all attempting to achieve by modernizing the Act,” said Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority General Manager Sally McIntyre. “We remain hopeful that by removing this from the budget bill, municipalities and conservation authorities will be able to work with the Ministry to address concerns and develop regulations to implement changes made to the Act last year under Bill 108. Everyone has been caught off-guard by reopening of the Act without any opportunity for discussion.”

Conservation authorities have identified several major concerns with the proposed changes, which will directly affect municipalities, residents and watersheds. These include changes to Board governance, including who a municipality can appoint to represent them; new powers enabling the Minister to override a conservation authority and issue a development permit in a watershed without a hearing and with no appeal; the removal of enforcement tools and a conservation authority’s ability to appeal planning decisions; possible provincial interference in local budgets and fees; and limitations on programs with a decreased focus on environmental monitoring, stewardship and outdoor education.

In short, these are not small changes. They will bring increased administrative costs and burden for municipalities and conservation authorities, an erosion of local decision-making, patchwork program delivery across watersheds, decreased resources for capital renewal, and an undermining of the integrity, transparency and effectiveness of our planning and permitting processes.

Residents, groups and associations who are concerned about these changes need to make their voices heard this week before the bill goes to Standing Committee.

MVCA encourages you to:

  • Contact your local MPP and Ontario’s Minister of Finance (Hon. Rod Phillips)
  • You can also contact Ontario’s Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks (Hon. Jeff Yurek), Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Hon. Steve Clark) and Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry (Hon. John Yakabuski).
  • Written comments can also be submitted to Ontario’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.

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MVCA Conservation Areas to Open in Time for Long Weekend

Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
Photo credit: mvc.on.ca

After weeks of closure, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) is reopening all five of its conservation areas for public use on Saturday, May 16. To ensure the safety of the community, only walking trails are open at this time. Bathrooms and buildings are closed for the time being including the R. Tait McKenzie and Dr. James Naismith Museums.

“We understand how important access to nature is for community health and well-being,” said MVCA Community Relations Coordinator Shannon Gutoskie. “Staff has worked diligently to create a plan that allows us to reopen our properties for limited day use while remaining focused on the health and safety of our staff and the community.”

Preparations have included: 

  • Checking many kilometres of trails for hazards and safety concerns.
  • Installing safe social distancing signage.
  • Performing enhanced maintenance operations. 

It’s important to note that it won’t be business as usual. MVCA is asking visitors to make sure they are practicing social distancing by staying six feet apart and not travel or meet up with people from outside of their main residence. Visitors are also encouraged to limit the duration of their visit and, if the parking lot is full upon arrival, to come back at a later time. Pets are to be leashed at all times and visitors are asked to take any garbage with them when they leave.

The MVCA appreciates your continued support and understanding as we continue to navigate through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Updates on additional openings will be posted to our website at www.mvc.on.ca and shared on Twitter and Facebook.

MVCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario. Formed in 1968, MVCA’s mandate is to manage the watershed’s resources in partnership with our eleven member municipalities and the Province of Ontario. For more information, visit www.mvc.on.ca, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority office, facilities remain closed amidst COVID-19 pandemic

Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
Photo credit: mvc.on.ca

Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) is reminding the public that its administrative office in Carleton Place and all facilities and structures at its conservation areas remain closed until further notice due to COVID-19.

MVCA staff are continuing to provide important services across the watershed including flood forecasting, dam operations, and planning and permitting functions.

During the office closure, staff will continue to work remotely and can be reached via email. In an effort to assist community members with their planning and permitting needs during this difficult time, applications can be submitted electronically. Staff will continue to meet the needs of the community and member municipalities in a timely fashion. All general inquiries can be emailed to info@mvc.on.ca.

MVCA is continuing to monitor this situation. Please check our website regularly for updates. Your patience, support and cooperation are appreciated.

MVCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario. Formed in 1968, MVCA’s mandate is to manage the watershed’s resources in partnership with our eleven member municipalities and the Province of Ontario. For more information, visit www.mvc.on.ca, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority responds to novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

coronavirus

In its continuing efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) continues to follow the lead of our local public health units, as well as provincial and federal health officials.

The health, safety and well-being of our staff and visitors is our top priority. After careful consideration, MVCA is responding with the following current changes in operations and programming effective immediately:

  • The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority Administration Centre (10970 Highway 7, Carleton Place) is closed to the general public until Monday, April 6.
  • The Gatehouse at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area (2854 Ramsay Concession 8, Almonte) is closed to the general public until Monday, April 6.
  • All essential services including MVCA’s Flood Forecasting and warning operations remain active.
  • The trails at our conservation areas (Mill of Kintail, Morris Island and Purdon) remain open for physical and mental health benefits.
  • Meetings and events scheduled at the MVCA Administration Centre and Gatehouse will be cancelled or rescheduled as appropriate.

Community members are asked to utilize phone or e-mail if they need to contact or correspond with staff during this time. Please note that response and processing times may be delayed.

MVCA is continuing to monitor this developing situation. Please check back often for updates. Your patience, support and cooperation is appreciated.

MVCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario. Formed in 1968, MVCA’s mandate is to manage the watershed’s resources in partnership with our eleven member municipalities and the Province of Ontario. For more information, visit www.mvc.on.ca, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Ottawa Conservation Authorities to work with provincial and municipal partners on flooding strategy

Mississippi River Flood
Matt Ilott of Beckwith Township is one of many residents along the Mississippi River to have endured the flood waters this spring. Ilott’s one-year old home was spared thanks to current building requirements that saw the home built on higher ground and with a raised septic tank. Ilott and surrounding rural communities say they have learned lessons from this 2019 flood experience. Photo Submitted.

With the spring thaw top of mind for residents who were affected by significant flooding along the Ottawa River in 2019, the Mississippi Valley, Rideau Valley and South Nation Conservation Authorities welcome the coordinated approach that Ontario proposes to build between federal and provincial governments, local municipalities, Conservation Authorities and indigenous partners to protect people and property from the devastating and costly impacts of flooding.

On March 9, 2020, John Yakabuski, the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, released Ontario’s Flooding Strategy in response to the Flood Advisor’s 2019 Report, clearly indicating that Conservation Authorities will have a continued role to play in the shared responsibility on strengthening the approach to flooding.

According to Minister Yakabuski in a news release published by the Province on March 9: “We’re listening to people from across the province who have been affected by flooding, and that is why we’re taking a whole-of-government approach and calling on the federal government, our municipal partners, conservation authorities, industry and Indigenous communities to work with us to implement the actions contained in this strategy.” 

The Strategy focuses on five priority areas: 

  • Understanding Flood Risk through updated floodplain mapping and increasing access to flood-related information. 
  • Strengthening Governance through provincial policy to ensure local development is directed away from areas where flooding and erosion present unacceptable risks.
  • Enhancing Flood Preparedness using state-of-the art science and technology.
  • Enhancing Response and Recovery by improving how we receive and respond to municipal requests for assistance.
  • Investing in Flood Risk Reduction by working with the federal government to increase investment in critical areas like mapping and infrastructure.

Ontario’s Flooding Strategy also calls for the update of existing natural hazard technical guidelines used to support municipal and Conservation Authority implementation of flood programs and activities, which was a key request throughout consultations.

“We are pleased to be working with the Province and sharing our flood management expertise and watershed approach to deliver services and programs,” said Sally McIntyre, General Manager, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority. “We look forward to learning how the Strategy will support sustainable funding for flood forecasting and operations, flood proofing of existing structures and stewardship of wetlands to mitigate flooding.”

“We look forward to enhancing our long-standing partnership with the province,” said Sommer Casgrain-Robertson, General Manager, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority. “Local Conservation Authorities are well-positioned to support the province’s strategy and we will look to better serve our watershed municipalities and residents through our unique watershed approach and our extensive expertise and experience in flood risk management, mitigation and preparedness.”

“We thank the Provincial Government for highlighting the important role that Conservation Authorities play in understanding flood risk and mitigation within the Ontario Flooding Strategy,” said Angela Coleman, General Manager and Secretary Treasurer, South Nation Conservation. “We look forward to working with all levels of Government to better protect people and property from natural hazards, such as flooding.”

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